History Department Unit Head

Job description

The History Department at James Madison University invites applications and nominations for the position of Department Head to begin July 1, 2019. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in History or related field, leadership experience, and a scholarly profile commensurate with appointment as a tenured full professor. Field of specialization is open.

Housed in the College of Arts and Letters, the History Department is home to thirty-five full-time faculty members with a wide range of research and teaching interests. The department has a large undergraduate major, an active MA program, and a distinguished teacher education program. It also supports four of five clusters in the General Education Program and fifteen multi-disciplinary minors. Next year, the Department will move to newly renovated Wilson Hall—the most iconic building on campus—that sits at the physical and intellectual center of the university.

We seek a Head with a collaborative leadership style who will articulate a vision for the future of the department; help the faculty identify and achieve program priorities; expand enrollments and attract new majors; support faculty teaching and scholarship; and effectively advocate for the department and the study of the past. Teaching one course per semester, the Head is a 12-month appointment and reports directly to the Dean.

The History Department is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute through their leadership, teaching, and service to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. Candidates from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

Established as a public university in 1908, James Madison University is a comprehensive public institution offering undergraduate, masters, and doctoral programs to more than 20,000 students. Noted by U.S. News and World Report and Money Magazine as an outstanding public university, JMU ranks as one of the finest regional universities in the country. Located in the heart of Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately two hours from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. The city is home to many immigrant communities with more than 50 languages spoken in town. Known for its livability, diversity, local food, arts, and natural surroundings, Harrisonburg is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state.

To apply visit http://joblink.jmu.edu/postings/4409 or go to JobLink.jmu.edu and reference posting number F1227. Applicants will submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and a statement describing their leadership philosophy. Review of completed applications will begin December 10th, and continue until the position is filled. For more information regarding the position contact the search chair, Eric Fife [email protected]. The names and contact information for three references will be requested as part of the application. Each reference listed will receive an email requesting that they submit a reference through the JobLink system.

James Madison University is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.